Masterplan

Premdor/ Rockways Regeneration Site Sible

August 2012 Contents

4 A Masterplan for

5 Regeneration in Sible Hedingham – a ‘Key Service Village’

6 Site Context / Location

9 Site Constraints

12 Development Opportunities

16 Illustrative Masterplan

18 New Homes and Local Employment

20 Access and Transportation

22 Open Space for All

25 Sustainability

27 Infrastructure Requirements and Community Benefits

2 Section One: Background

3 A Masterplan for Sible Hedingham

THE CORE STRATEGY REQUIRES A This Masterplan does not attempt to be This Masterplan forms a ‘transition’ between MASTERPLAN TO BE COMPLETED prescriptive as to the content of future the strategic principles established in the FOR THE PREMDOR/ROCKWAYS planning applications, but seeks instead to Core Strategy, and detailed development REGENERATION SITE WHICH WILL be in conformity with the proposals that will eventually be the subject of BE APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL Core Strategy. Upon adoption by the Council, specific planning applications. At each stage AS A SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING this supplimentary planning document (SPD) of the process, the development proposals DOCUMENT. will constitute a material consideration in become more refined and greater detail can the determination of those future planning be established, leading ultimately to a high The purpose of this Masterplan document is applications. quality deliverable development. to: • provide more detail on how the site will be This masterplan has been prepared by regenerated; Braintree District Council in conjunction with Bloor Homes Ltd. • set a framework to guide the preparation of future planning applications for the whole of the regeneration area; and • provide a framework against which future applications are to be considered.

4 Regeneration in Sible Hedingham – a ‘Key Service Village’

To Cambridge BRAINTREE The Braintree District Core Strategy was DISTRICT adopted by the Council in September 2011. To Bury The spatial strategy of the document directs St Edmunds Regeneration R the majority of the growth proposed for the River Colne Location District to the three main towns but also Main Town identifies 6 key service villages, suitable for some growth, which act as local service Key Service Village centres for the surrounding rural areas. Growth and regeneration within these key Sible Hedingham Trunk Road R service villages is considered necessary to help secure their continued sustainability. Other A and B Roads Sible Hedingham is identified as one of R those 6 key service villages, with the former

To Premdor premises and the Rockways factory having been identified as a regeneration area. Braintree To Stansted The land shown on the plan right has been and M11 R identified by Braintree District Council as a regeneration site to help meet the needs of Braintree District and on a local level R the needs of Sible Hedingham for housing, Silver End employment and access to open space, over the next 10 -15 years. In addressing To the redundant former employment site, the R Core Strategy sets out the requirement NORTH for regeneration, with much needed new housing providing the catalyst for the delivery of a new Healthcare Facility and Community Employment Hub to foster entrepreneurial To Chelmsford employment opportunities. Together, these mixed uses can help secure the continued sustainability of jobs and services in Sible Hedingham, enhancing the settlement.

5 Site Context / Location

SIBLE HEDINGHAM IS LOCATED IN THE A Potted History NORTH OF ESSEX APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES NORTH OF BRAINTREE, River Colne Sible Hedingham has seen the rise and fall SITUATED ON THE WEST BANK OF THE of successive industries over the years from RIVER COLNE. Sible Hedingham tinsmiths, iron founders, basket makers, Halstead coopers, brickworks etc. with the greatest PRIMARY ACCESS TO SIBLE expansion in employment resulting from HEDINGHAM IS PROVIDED BY THE M11 the arrival of the Colne Valley and Halstead A1017 WHICH TRAVELS NORTH / SOUTH Railway (1861). By 1900 brickworks within BETWEEN BRAINTREE AND HAVERHILL. Sible Hedingham for example employed THE M11 MOTORWAY LIES ABOUT Braintree Colchester circa 500 people. Indeed the proposed 20 MILES TO THE WEST OF SIBLE regeneration area sits on the site of a former HEDINGHAM. brickworks established in 1899 alongside the Colne Valley and Halstead Railway. The railway itself was decommissioned and taken up in 1966, with the section of the former Chelmsford Railway within the proposed development being subsequently designated as the Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Site. The remainder of the proposed development now under the ownership of Premdor closed M25 its gates for business in September 2009, leaving the site to lie in its current condition. Housing within the village has also seen a steady expansion since the 1900’s, with the most notable developments occurring NORTH between 1920 and the post war period, 1960s and early 1990s.

6 The areas immediate context comprises: The Regeneration Site Residential properties and the forecourt of ‘Days of • To the north residential properties and The proposed regeneration area comprises Hedingham’ – Automotive the forecourt of ‘Days of Hedingham’ – the site of the former Premdor window and Servicing and Repairs front Automotive Servicing and Repairs front the site across Station Road. door factory and the Rockways factory, an onto the regeneration site across Station existing aquarium and pond supplier. The Road, two sites total circa 13.7 ha (33.85 acres) River Colne • To the north west the regeneratin site in size (including the Hedingham Station adjoins commercial/industrial businesses Marsh Wildlife Site). Access is gained to The River Colne and a lorry park within a small employment the west via a junction from Swan Street beyond which lies area off Rippers Court; with a second access currently serving the open countryside Rockways factory to the north, from Station • To the west the regeneration site adjoins Road. mixed residential properties within Bewick Court it also fronts onto Swan Street, Commercial / industrial including Cygnet Court and Brook House, businesses and a lorry park Rockways (a listed building comprising traditional within a small employment Factory black and white timber render). This listed area off Rippers Court building fronts Swan Street with a side elevation facing the site’s primary access Station Road (albeit screened by a line of mature conifers). • A second building of local interest, Residential properties formerly the UK’s smallest bank, sits to within Bewick Court the south of Brook House (Grade II listed) within the site’s Swan Street frontage; • To the south the regeneration site adjoins Brook House, (a listed building comprising the rear gardens of semi-detached and traditional black and white flatted housing within Brook Terrace and timber render). Summerfields; and

Former • To the east the regeneration site adjoins Premdor Factory A second building of local the River Colne beyond which lies open interest, formerly the UK’s countryside albeit a significant belt of smallest bank, sits to the woodland along the River entirely restricts south of Brook House within views between the site and open fields the site’s Swan Street Swan Street frontage further to the east.

Cygnet Court

The rear gardens of semi-detached housing along Swan Street and Brook Terrace Apartments along Summerfields

7 Section Two: Site Constraints and Development Opportunities

8 Site Constraints Hedingham Station Marsh Local Wildlife Site

Land to the east of the site formerly the Colne Valley and Halstead Railway now comprises of a mosaic of woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland, swamp Flood Risk and Drainage and wet ditches. This forms part of the Hedingham Station Marsh Local Wildlife Site (LWS) (Bra117) The River Colne flood plain is a major and is considered to be of county conservation environmental constraint to the east of the value. The site was designated as a result of its site. Detailed modelling of the River Colne has woodland and willow scrub which represent a been undertaken by MLM Multidisciplinary ’priority’ vegetation type for the natural area. Consulting (engineers) on behalf of Premdor and more recently on behalf of Bloor Homes. Of greatest significance are the presence of Modelling demonstrates that the former bluntflowered rush and large bittercress both of factory sits within Flood Zone 1 (as defined which are in decline and as a result are locally by the Environment Agency) i.e. an area free scarce. In addition to its flora the site supports a from flooding. Immediately to the east of the significant population of reptiles including common existing factory a marked change in level from lizard and grass snake and offers valuable nesting circa 44.5m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) and foraging habitat for birds, bats and mammals down to circa 42.5m AOD marks the site’s such as otter and water vole. Full ecological transition into flood zone 2 (area subject to a surveys of the site were undertaken on behalf of 1 in 1000 year flood) and flood zone 3 (area Premdor by FPCR Environment and Design Ltd in subject to a 1 in 100 year flood). 2008 and again in 2010.

In addition to the River Colne an existing New development will respect the Wildlife Site and tributary crosses the site from west to east. will ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure As this watercourse passes beneath Swan its long term protection and management. Street it enters a culvert before re-emerging for a short section to the rear of Brook House. Beyond this point the watercourse re-enters Hedingham Station Retaining Walls a culvert for the remainder of its length. Marsh Wildlife Site Existing piped surface water discharge from the site is channelled into this watercourse. River Colne Intrusive Noise from Outside of the Site Boundary New development will be constructed outside of flood zone 2 and 3 and as such will respect River Colne Flood Plain Exisiting Buildings the floodplain of the River Colne. Furthermore development will have due care and regard Culverted Watercourse Respect Setting of to the opening up and re-establishment of (Unnamed) Local Buildings this culverted watercourse. Special Landscape Sun Track Features (Listed Buildings) Building of Local Exisiting Surface Interest (Old Bank) Water Sewers

Access Points Exisiting Foul Sewers

Contours (5m intervals - Plan Not To Scale fall 47m to 41m AOD)) 9 Site Access and Existing Levels (existing contours) Listed Buildings and Footpaths Buildings of Local Interest Levels across the site currently range There are currently two points of access into between 47m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) against the site’s western boundary to a low There are two buildings of local interest the site, one serving the former Premdor of 41m AOD to the south east adjacent the situated along the site’s western boundary. factory from Swan Street/Bewick Court to the River Colne. The first of these is Brook House (Number west and the second serving the Rockways 198 Swan Street), a grade II listed cottage factory from Station Road to the north. The There are a number of retaining structures which backs onto the site to the east and developer must demonstrate the suitability of around the site. Adjacent properties sit higher sides the site’s primary entrance off Swan both access points and the geometry of any than the site by circa 1.8m to the north east Street to the north. Brook House comprises new junctions onto the existing road network. The Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Site and 2m to the southwest. an attractive two storey timber and white rendered building which features prominently There are currently no footpaths through the Careful consideration needs to be given to along Swan Street. site, the closest linking Bewick Court with Station Road to the north west of the site. the site levels and retaining structures and how these are incorporated within detailed It will be important to preserve and enhance This footpath only abuts the site for a small proposals. this buildings setting. section before passing to the rear of existing commercial premises off Rippers Court. The second building of local interest is an old Footpaths / a cycle link east to west and north bank building which lies to the south of Brook to south should be enhanced and extended. Services House just within the site boundary. Although now empty when in use this building boasted The site is currently served by existing the status of the UK’s smallest operational electricity, telecoms, potable water and Contamination Brook House (Grade II listed) bank. The building is to be retained, and foul sewerage connections. Underground enhanced through repair and suitable reuse. A detailed study by MLM Multidisciplinary cables will require diversion to facilitate the Consulting (engineers) has identified a development of the site as will the site’s number of areas within the site that will existing overhead telecom supply. need to be fully remediated prior to any development. The site’s existing foul drainage network will need to either be maintained and /or diverted. An easement of 3.5m will need to be respected in some places.

Key Views into Site Existing Swan Street Access FPCR Environment and Design Ltd have conducted a visual analysis of the site this concludes that the site is visually well contained and that key views into the site are primarily limited to the site access points off Swan Street and Station Road.

Screen planting along the site’s boundaries should be protected, enhanced and supplemented with further structural landscape planting as appropriate.

2m level difference between the site and residential properties off Swan Street and Brook Terrace 10 Noise Proximity of Existing Residential Properties To the north and north west of the regeneration site neighbouring commercial The closest residential dwellings to the site / industrial buildings have the potential to boundary are as follows (in no particular emit noise at levels classified by the World order): Health Organisation as causing nuisance. As a consequence impacts emanating from • Properties on Summerfields (south of the these industrial units will need appropriate site) = circa 30m assessment and mitigation. • Properties on Brook Terrace (south of the The Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Site site) = circa 17m • Properties of Swan Street (south west of Daylight and Sunlight the site) = 20m The majority of the regeneration site benefits • Cygnet Court (west of the site) = 22m from an open aspect to the south east • Brook House (west of the site) = 10m to and west however some shading from the the west and 1.5m to the north. morning sun occurs immediately adjacent to the wooded edge of the Hedingham Station • 165-167 Swan Street (west of the site) = Marsh Wildlife site and midday and evening 26m sun along the site’s western boundary with • 1 - 9 Bewick Court (west of the site)= 14m Brook Terrace. • 10 Bewick Court (west of the site)= 39m The old bank. Development will need to be carefully • 40 - 49 Bewick Court (west of the site)= designed to ensure that where practicable 3m properties are orientated to take advantage of a south facing aspect so that they may • 29-31 Station Road (north of the site) = benefit from passive solar gain for heating 21m and energy generation and have a suitable stand off from the site’s east and south western boundaries to ensure housing and gardens are not unduly shaded.

Existing Station Road Access

1.8m level difference between the site and commercial properties off Rippers Court 11 Development Land for Housing Flood Risk and Drainage Listed buildings and Buildings of Local Interest Development offers the opportunity to New built development will be located Opportunities contribute to the districts housing needs. outside the flood zone. Development also The setting of Brook House (Grade II listed This regeneration site is capable of providing offers the opportunity to open up a culverted building) on the site’s western boundary high quality housing in a mix of sizes, styles watercourse which currently passes across will be protected and enhanced through and tenures, including affordable housing. the centre of the site. By opening up this the retention of existing boundary planting culvert this could form a new green corridor potentially coupled with new structural THE PRESENCE OF A BROWNFIELD offering multifunctional green space and planting to further screen views to the east. SITE AT THE HEART OF SIBLE Local Employment thereby creating an attractive entrance Furthermore Brook House will no longer be HEDINGHAM, IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT to the site from Swan Street. Consultants viewed against an industrial back drop but TO AN ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL Development offers the opportunity to appointed by Bloor Homes during the will instead by viewed against a high quality AREA AND WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE provide land for a new healthcare facility and preparation of this plan also believe that this mixed use development including housing, TO VILLAGE FACILITIES AND PUBLIC local employment hub providing reception, will help to alleviate local flooding issues on local employment uses and open space. TRANSPORT LINKS PROVIDES AN administration and flexible meeting spaces Swan Street. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH with ancillary space for storage and parking. With regard to the existing bank building QUALITY, MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT. Healthcare / employment buildings will be New site wide drainage including the to the south of Brook House development designed to a high standard providing a use of permeable paving for example, offers the opportunity to retain the building landmark adjacent the site’s main access will effectively attenuate water prior to its within an area of open space and to repair and complementing the existing street discharge into the River Colne. and bring back into use this building of local scene along Swan Street. interest. Hedingham Station Marsh Play Space Wildlife Site

Development offers the opportunity for high Development proposals offer the quality public open space including space opportunity to considerably improve the for innovative children’s play. New play nature conservation value of the wildlife space should be used as a focal element site through the targeted management of within the development, linking new open habitats. Furthermore by opening up the spaces with the wildlife site to the east wildlife site to the public via the creation and river walk/cycleway. Play space will be of a riverside walk including interpretive fenced and gated for security as well as to signage the wildlife site offers both leisure keep dogs out of this area. and educational benefits to both existing and new residents within the village.

New tree, shrub and hedgerow planting within proposed open space alongside street tree planting and the creation of private gardens will act to extend the range of habitats available to the site’s flora and fauna and will help to further enhance the site’s biodiversity.

12 Site Access, Footpath With regards to site access development Links and Public Transport offers the opportunity to design and implement safe and legible junctions The proximity to the River Colne affords onto Swan Street and Station Road. the opportunity for access to the river Furthermore improvements to the public and wider countryside both for existing realm through the creation of pedestrian residents within Sible Hedingham and crossings, new street furniture and street new residents alike. The Hedingham tree planting would act to enhance the Riverside Walk currently runs alongside amenity of local residents. Safe pedestrian the river from Alderford Street as far as the links across Swan Street and Station Road Summerfields development to the south to both exiting bus stops and village shops of the site. Regeneration of the site offers and services will also help to ensure that the opportunity to extend the Hedingham the villages public transport service and Riverside Walk between Summerfields and economy are supported through increased Station Road to the north. Two routes will patronage. be provided, the first providing an informal route along the river itself and the second a surfaced pedestrian/cycle route close to the development ensuring that access north- Levels (proposed south is available to all. contours)

Levels within the site will need to be re- River Colne Rationalise Foul Sewer graded to replace existing terracing and Connections remove some internal retaining structures. Access Points Buffer to Brook House The detailed design of the site will seek to Carefully Designed (Listed Building) ensure access for all including parents with young children the elderly and people with Floodplain Retained Retain Existing Bank impaired mobility. and Preserved Building Within Open Space Proposed New Structural Native Contours (Range 47 Planting Public Art AOD to 41 AOD) Access to Retaining Wall Development Plots Development offers the opportunity to provide works of art both along the site’s Hedingham Station Proposed Cycle frontage with Swan Street as well as within Marsh Wildlife Site Path the site itself. Indeed Sible Hedingham Proposed Public Open Proposed Riverside Parish Council have expressed a desire Space Walk to install a public work of art on the site frontage aimed at reflecting the site’s Healthcare / Links to Local industrial heritage. Employment Uses Facilities

Focal Element / Play Bus Stops Space

Opened Up Potential Noise Watercourse Mitigation

Surface Water Sewers Sun Track

Plan Not To Scale 13 Section Three: The Masterplan

14 Spatial Concept and Site Capacity

As you can see from the plan (right) the developments layout has been designed to reflect both the constraints and opportunities • Healthcare / employment uses are afforded by this site. In particular: focussed adjacent to Swan Street so that • The regeneration site is subdivided into these benefit from good access to the four development plots (three residential A1017 and are capable of contributing and one healthcare / employment uses) positively to the streetscene. Furthermore arranged within the western side of the in this location a new heathcare facility site to take account of the floodplain and maximises its accessibility to both existing wildlife site that straddle the River Colne and future residents. to the east. • Access is taken from both Swan Street • A central public open space bisects the and Station Road with the primary access site through the centre, designed to allow coming from the west. Footpath links can the opening up and re-routing of the be routed along the riverside north to watercourse currently culverted under south as well as along the central green the site. This green space links with an space east to west. area of open space to the east providing • Strategic planting is proposed along the the link between residential development sites north western boundary between and the wildlife site further to the east. the regeneration site and adjacent • Open space is also proposed adjacent commercial / industrial land uses. to Swan Street to help buffer Brook • The regeneration site has the potential House (grade II listed building) from the capacity to provide up to 236 houses at development and to provide a suitable an average density of between 30 to 40 setting for the bank building/public art. dwellings per hectare.

Development Plots Site Access and Circulation

Healthcare / Employment Uses Footpath / Cycle Links (Extend Riverside Walk)

Public Open Space Strategic Planting

Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Buildings of Local Interest Site

Plan Not To Scale 15 Illustrative Masterplan

Vision and key objectives for the Objectives: regeneration of the site: 1. The development of circa 236 high quality 7. Inclusive design; Development within the “THE CREATION OF A NEW HIGH houses in a mix of size, style and tenure. site will be laid out to ensure it is safe and QUALITY ENVIRONMENT, WITH A accessible for all. STRONG SENSE OF PLACE, PROVIDING 2. Regeneration of the site will offer 1-5 8. Development within the site will promote A SAFE, ATTRACTIVE AND ENDURING bedroom properties, with terraces, sustainability in its widest sense to reduce DEVELOPMENT, IN CHARACTER WITH linked townhouses, semi-detached and energy consumption throughout the THE LOCAL AREA.” detached properties and apartments. natural and built environment. 3. Development within the site will seek to create a high quality and enduring public 9. Development within the site will include realm that incorporates best practice flexible landscape and public open space, principles. Using as reference the core to provide amenity, recreation, biodiversity design texts of “Manual for Streets”, and sustainable benefits. “Safer Places” and “By Design”, as well as 10. Development within the site will seek to drawing on the “Sible Hedingham Village protect and enhance the site’s existing Design Statement” for local context. assets such as listed buildings and teh 4. Development within the site will comply Station Marsh wildlife site. with the standards specified in the District 11. Development within the site should Council’s adopted guidance, including reflect local character drawing upon local the “Essex Design Guide” and “Parking examples of materials and architecture Standards – Design and Good Practice”. where appropriate; 5. Development within the site will, where 12. Development within the site should place practicable, ensure that all garden spaces an emphasis on high quality design within the development conform with local utilising well-proportioned buildings and authority policy concerning minimum spaces. sizes. 6. Development within the site will seek to create a legible environment with a choice of interconnecting attractive streets and pedestrian routes which provide excellent connectivity through the site and into the existing village.

16 J High Quality Residential Development Circa 236 houses land for Healthcare facility and employment hub. Possible temporary community use prior to construction. Public Open Space with for Innovative Childrens Play Space. Structural Landscape Planting to Adjoining Screen Development from Commercial / Industrial Buildings. Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Site Preserved and Enhanced. Community Garden along Swan Art and the Street to Include Public Retention, Repair and Reuse of the Former Bank Building. to be Existing Culverted Watercourse Along New Opened up and Routed Green Spine. Intimate Block Paved Shared Courts and Semi Private Drives L J Plan Not To Scale To Plan Not E F K G L E C H E L M I D A B Screen Planting Including Noise barriers Retain Existing Bank Building as Feature Against New and Set Memorial Sculpture and Public Garden Footway / Cycleway Gated Access Between Former Premdor Site Site for and Rockways Emergency Vehicles Only Parking Court / Homezones Useable Public Open Space Including Childrens Play Area Central Open Space Includes Reopening Into a Watercourse Naturalised Channel New Riverside Path Hedingham Station Marsh Wildlife Site Retained and Enhanced Site Access from Swan Site Street Access from Station Site Road Main Boulevard Land for Heathcare Facility and Employment Hub I J L F E H K G M A B C D 17 The regeneration site has the capacity to New Homes and deliver up to 236 new homes. Sible Hedingham currently offers housing of varying size, Station Marsh Space for play wildlife site and public art Local Employment style and tenure across a range of densities retained from circa 15 dwellings per hectare (dph) to around 38 dph in more recent additions to the village. In order to reflect the character of the village and the imperative to use land WHY HOUSING? efficiently proposed development densities are to reflect the upper range currently In order to keep pace with demand Braintree available in Sible Hedingham between 30 - District Council will: 40 dph. Similarly development will provide a choice of house sizes and styles from 1 and 2 “…PLAN, MONITOR AND MANAGE THE bed apartments to 2, 3, 4 and 5 bed houses. DELIVERY OF A MINIMUM OF 4637 Existing culveted DWELLINGS BETWEEN 2009 AND 2026” watercourse 30% of development will be delivered as opened up affordable housing in order to ensure a “SECURING HIGH QUALITY HOUSING balanced and robust community. Affordable DESIGN AND LAYOUTS IS AN ESSENTIAL housing will reflect the same range (size and PART OF PROTECTING THE OVERALL style) as market housing, arranged in small ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT, numbers distributed evenly throughout the PROMOTING SOCIAL INCLUSION site. AND SECURING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.” To maintain good legibility and permeability housing will be arranged in development blocks which in turn will be subdivided by interconnecting streets and pathways. Housing should be arranged to ensure public frontages and secure rear private gardens designed in accordance with the District Council’s adopted guidance, including the “Essex Design Guide”. Best practice advocates that a mix of both wide and narrow frontage forms should be used. Wide frontages allow for variation along the street and narrow frontages allow for continuous frontages such as terraces. Healthcare / employment hub Landmark features will be used to allow pedestrians and car users to orientate themselves. Features such as public Old Bank retained squares, pocket parks, prominent buildings, within new public street trees, public art and street furniture gardens fronting Swan Street can be used for this purpose.

Site access onto Swan Street

18 LOCAL EMPLOYMENT Land totalling up to 0.2ha (0.49 acres) will be provided to enable the development of a new “LOCAL JOBS ARE MORE SUSTAINABLE healthcare facility, with a proposed enterprise AND ALLOW MORE OF THE MONEY hub providing up to a further 0.1ha of land. GENERATED TO BE PUT BACK INTO THE DISTRICT’S SERVICES AND Development of this kind will improve access FACILITIES. THE CURRENT HIGH LEVEL to healthcare for both existing and future OF COMMUTING TO WORK OUT OF THE residents and offer a range of employment DISTRICT IS PUTTING A STRAIN ON opportunities with the added benefit of ROAD AND RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND reducing out commuting for work. CONTRIBUTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE.” Healthcare / employment uses are to be “IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE located close to the A1017 to ensure access ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE KEY is readily available to the main road network SERVICE VILLAGES, THE COUNCIL WILL and to limit potential conflicts with adjacent PROMOTE THE REGENERATION OF THE residential areas (existing and proposed). FOLLOWING AREAS IN TWO OF THE KEY In this location a new surgery will support SERVICE VILLAGES. THE DESIGN AND existing and proposed residents alike, being SCALE OF DEVELOPMENTS WILL NEED equally accessible to both and will benefit TO CONSERVE AND ENHANCE THE from public transport links along Swan Street. CHARACTER OF THESE AREAS AND THE SETTINGS OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS Healthcare / employment buildings will be AND PROVIDE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE designed to a high standard providing a PUBLIC REALM. SIBLE HEDINGHAM: landmark adjacent the site’s main access and complementing the existing street scene - THE FORMER PREMDOR SITE AND along Swan Street and the Brook House ADJOINING ROCKWAYS PREMISES” (listed building). Green areas surrounding these buildings will be designed to enhance the architecture and provide an interesting and varied setting in which to work.

19 Site Access

Access and A Primary Street / Transportation Plan Not To Scale Boulevard

Secondary Streets “THE COUNCIL WILL WORK WITH PARTNERS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY, TO REDUCE CONGESTION AND REDUCE Shared Surface Courts / THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT UPON Semi Private Drives CLIMATE CHANGE.”

Footway / Cycleway

The site’s access strategy comprises the 4. New junctions onto Swan Street and following 8 objectives: Station Road are to be carefully designed Extension of Riverside 1. New development is to provide a choice of to ensure adequate forward visibility and Walk integrated routes for all. A clear and easy road safety; to use network of streets and footpaths 5. New development will where practicable connecting housing, employment and promote accessibility for the whole A small section of the public open space along logical, direct community in the widest sense, bearing A proposed footpath/ desire lines; in mind the needs of parents with young cycle link between the site and Station Road 2. Pedestrian and cycle links between new children, the elderly and those with is proposed within impaired mobility; highway land and will development and the existing village are therefore be subject equally important and as such will be 6. New development will encourage the to an agreement with Essex County Council. carefully considered to include crossings control of vehicle speeds and movement over Swan Street and Station Road which through the application of sound urban are safe and easy to use; design practices such as the restriction 3. New development will facilitate the of forward visibility, narrowing of street extension of the Hedingham Riverside widths, the use of frequent connections Walk between Summerfields and Station and changes in direction, and tight Road to include a combined pedestrian/ junction radii and not by retrofitting speed cycle route in tandem with a more informal humps or chicanes etc; route through the Hedingham Station 7. New development will accord with Marsh Wildlife Site, where this crosses Braintree District Council’s parking highway land adjacent to Station Road standards and avoid the use of parking an agreement with the County Council courts wherever possible; will be required; 8. New development will where practicable promote the use of public transport.

20 Swan Street

Artists impression of the site access from Swan Street.(looking east). Station Road

Site Access Streets and Spaces

Artists impression of the site access from Station Road.(looking north east) Access to the regeneration site is proposed In line with objective one (page 20) via the existing site access onto Swan Street development within the regeneration site will to the west and via an access onto Station be laid out with a logical hierarchy of routes from a primary distributor or boulevard Secondary streets leading from the Hedingham Riverside Walk Road to the north. The existing access boulevard will be used to provide access onto Swan Street will be re-configured with leading from Swan Street down to secondary streets, providing access to each block of throughout the regeneration site. These Development of the former Premdor new kerbing and white lining. This access routes will predominantly provide looping will include modifications to the current housing, which in turn lead to shared courts site provides an opportunity to extend and private drives around which groups of and meandering routes through residential the existing Hedingham Riverside Walk junction with Bewick Court. In addition two areas avoiding dead ends such as cul- new pedestrian crossings over Swan Street houses may be clustered. from Summerfields to the south of the de-sacs. Parking along these streets will development up to Station Road in the are proposed to the north and south of the predominantly be on plot in bays or garages, entrance. The primary distributor or boulevard leading north. This comprises a significant stretch from Swan Street into the development will with pavements varying in width to allow the of the river Colne as it meanders past Sible planting of street trees in strategic locations. To the north access onto Station Road be wide; tree lined and include housing facing Hedingham. Regeneration of the site offers utilises an existing single width track currently the street. Parking should not dominate the the opportunity to create an informal path frontage with wide pavements and shared Shared courts and private drives typically alongside the river to include interpretation providing access to the Rockways factory. comprise of small, intimate courtyards or This access will be improved to serve new surfaces providing a pedestrian friendly signage regarding the Hedingham Station environment. mews, created by clusters of buildings. The Marsh Wildlife Reserve, with a second housing on the Rockways site and to provide design of these spaces will have regard to the access for pedestrian / cyclist and emergency surfaced route for pedestrians and cyclists The opening up of the culverted watercourse arrangement of buildings, enclosure, privacy, routed close to the development. vehicles via a gated link to the proposed security, safety and surface treatment. These housing on the former Premdor Site. alongside this route will enhance the sense of arrival upon entering the site enabling a clear spaces are to be designed to provide priority Where this route crosses highway land to pedestrians whilst accommodating vehicle It will be incumbent on the developer(s) to line of sight though the development to the adjacent to Station Road new footpath / sculptural forms of the play area at the end of movements and space for parking. These cycle works will be subject to an agreement demonstrate as part of any detailed planning spaces are typically located towards the application(s) for the regeneration site that this space and to the wildlife reserve beyond. with Essex County Council. The Boulevard will also provide direct access periphery of development blocks, alongside site access / egress is safe and that any areas of public open space. As such significant traffic impacts predicted as a to the healthcare / employment hub adjacent the site access. opportunities for footpath and cycle links result of development may be mitigated between these areas and open space will be appropriately. taken wherever possible.

21 Retain and Enhance Hedingham Station 1 Marsh Wildlife Site Open Space for All Central Boulevard - Exiting Culverted 2 Watercourse Opened Up and Routed Through Naturalised Channel Plan Not To Scale Community Garden Adjacent to Swan 3 Street Including Retention of the Bank and New Memorial Sculpture “THE COUNCIL PROPOSES THAT Public Open Space including a Locally AREAS AND NETWORKS OF GREEN 4 Equipped Area for Play (L.E.A.P) INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND CREATED, 5 Structural Landscape Planting PROTECTED, ENHANCED AND MANAGED TO PROVIDE AN IMPROVED AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. THIS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD MAXIMISE BIODIVERSITY VALUE, CONTRIBUTE TO CARBON NEUTRAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO FLOOD ATTENUATION. IN DEVELOPING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP NETWORKS FOR WALKING AND CYCLING.” 1

Green Infrastructure refers to a robust framework of structural planting, open 5 spaces (both hard and soft) and habitats. The regeneration areas Green Infrastructure seeks to develop an attractive environment for residents and visitors to the site whilst effectively integrating the site into its wider context. Green Infrastructure promotes recreation, movement and leisure, access to 4 nature and the enhancement of bio-diversity. 2

3

Reopening the existing culverted watercourse offers the opportunity to create a new swathe of open space through the centre of the site.

22 Development should ensure the following: • The protection, conservation and • The creation of public open space on enhancement of the Hedingham Station the site’s Swan Street frontage between Marsh Wildlife Reserve to the east of Brook House (Grade II listed building) and the site, which will be carried out in Cygnet Court. This space will comprise accordance with a management plan communal gardens, space for Parish agreed in writing with Braintree District Council led public art and the retention, Council. Active management of this restoration and reuse of the existing bank area is necessary to manage invasive or building located along this frontage. Public unwanted floral species and to maintain open space will also act to preserve and the site’s biodiversity potential. The enhance the setting of Brook House. mosaic habitat of woodland, scrub and • The planting of structural landscape belts, wetland that makes up the Hedingham namely native tree and shrub planting, Station Marsh Reserve provides an around the site’s north western boundary opportunity for public open space that to screen and soften views between explores this distinctive habitat. The use the development and neighbouring Artists Impression of public open space adjacent to Swan Street including the retention and reuse of the existing bank of boardwalks linking to the Hedingham building and the erection of public art promoted by the Parish Council. commercial / industrial buildings off Riverside Walk will be explored. Ripper Court • The opening up and routing of an existing • Opportunities for Sustainable drainage culverted watercourse across the centre (SuDS) are to fully explored. of the site through new open space to include new riparian planting of trees and • Where practicable the provision of private shrubs along with wildflower meadow gardens in accordance with Braintree creation. District Council’s standards. • The creation of a public open space • The planting of street trees at strategic between the development and wildlife locations to aid orientation, provide urban reserve to include space for innovative and cooling and enhance the site’s visual secure childrens play. This space will act amenity. to buffer the proposed development from the wildlife site, offering space for informal recreation. As part of the scheme, an area for children’s play will be provided at the heart of the development. This should accommodate a Local Equipped Area for Play (L.E.A.P) to satisfy the Council’s open space requirements and could also Artists Impression of public open space within the site including a securely fenced and gated Locally Equipped Area for Play. This space should provide an innovative and engaging environment for all ages. include a sculptural element that can act as a focal point to visitors entering the site from Swan Street. Play space will be securely fenced and gated.

23 Section Four: Sustainability

24 Sustainability

“ALL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENSURE THE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, HABITATS AND The aim is for the regeneration site to deliver BIODIVERSITY AND GEO-DIVERSITY OF a high quality, environmentally, socially THE DISTRICT.” and economically sustainable from of development. Integral to the scheme are the following initiatives: • A low energy design; • The use of renewable technologies; • The enhancement of bio-diversity; • Sustainable drainage (SuDS); and • The encouragement of non car modes of travel transport.

A holistic approach to sustainability is required, The development is not seeking to be insular As far as is practicably possible buildings are as such aspirations for the site have been set or inward looking. Indeed footpath and to be orientated so that a principle frontage at a higher level when compared to the current cycle links as well as crossings west over i.e. either the front or rear, faces southwards. standards. In this context, all new housings Swan Street and north over Station Road This permits these properties to benefit will meet the relevant Code for Sustainable will enable residents to gain easy access to from passive solar gain. All properties will Homes Levels across all property types and local facilities such as bus stops and shops. have dedicated space for the storage of one non domestic buildings will aim to achieve Sible Hedingham benefits from an array bicycle, recycling bins to accord with the a BREEAM very good rating (or similar of services ranging in distance from 25m council’s collection practices and space for rating system) as a minimum. The aim is to to 650m primarily to the south along Swan external drying. reduce energy use and water consumption Street. by improving for example the efficiency and The Wildlife site will provide recreation and standards of insulation, as well as considering New development should include measures aesthetic benefits as well as a valuable opportunities for technologies such as to reduce transport emissions by reducing educational resource. Management of the renewable energy and rainwater harvesting/ reliance on the car. The site’s location reserves habitats alongside new public open grey water recycling. Waste management close to local amenities and bus stops will space, gardens and structural landscape and reduction will be encouraged through further assist this objective. In addition new planting will help to enhance the site’s best practice approaches and will include the healthcare facilities and an employment hub biodiversity. provision of space for recycling. seek to further integrate the site into the village and reduce reliance on car based travel.

25 Section Five: Infrastructure Requirements

26 Infrastructure / Funding Delivery Body Critical/ Status in Masterplan Infrastructure Community Benefit Required/ Requirements Desirable and Community River Channel restoration on Developer(s) Developer(s) / Desirable Included – to form central design feature Benefits feeding channel to River Colne Environment Agency

Provision of land for Early Years Developer(s) Essex County Council Required Essex County Council have requested a financial and Childcare places (0.15ha) contribution towards the provision / enhancement of THE DISTRICT COUNCIL, IN services elsewhere in the community CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, SET OUT IN THE BRAINTREE DISTRICT CORE STRATEGY New GP Surgery Developer Mid Essex Primary Required Land included within Masterplan alongside A LIST OF INFRASTRUCTURE Care Trust employment hub REQUIREMENTS AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS THAT THE REGENERATION AREA SHOULD DELIVER. Public Open Space, Play and Developer(s) Braintree District Required Included Recreation Areas in line with Council standards set out in the Council’s adopted Open Space SPD As the masterplan has developed these requirements / benefits have shifted. The table (right) summarises the requirements Enhancement of habitat of local Developer(s) Braintree District Desirable Included specified in the Braintree District Core nature reserve Council Strategy and the infrastructure improvements/ community benefits that are now proposed as part of this Masterplan. Allotment provision in line Developer(s) Developer(s), Braintree Required To ensure the most efficient use of the land it is with the standards set District Council proposed that a financial contribution is made to out in the Council’s adopted help fund the provision of off-site allotments Open Space SPD

Additional Community Benefits proposed in the Masterplan include: Quality Bus Partnership Developer(s), Essex County Council, Desirable Financial contribution to be agreed with Essex and Public Transport Essex County public County Council Highways • Provision of 30% affordable housing on Improvements Council transport site; operators, • Provision of land for and construction of Developer(s) a healthcare facility and work hub; Public Realm Developer(s) Developer(s) Desirable Included within Masterplan (public art, street trees, • Refurbishment of the bank building and Improvements street furniture, public open space, river channel provision of community park adjacent to restoration) Swan Street; and • A Financial contribution towards education. Footpath and Cycleway Developer Essex County Council Desirable Included within the Masterplan and new pedestrian provision, both on site crossings in Swan Street and Station Road. and links to existing network

27 Prepared by FPCR Environment and Design Ltd on behalf of Braintree District Council and Bloor Homes